How to Watch for Depression in Cancer Patients

A person who has cancer doesn't have much to be happy about. There is the uncertainty of the disease to deal with, along with the unpleasant physical symptoms. A lengthy and painful course of medical treatment is often in store, and surgery may be a looming likelihood. It is easy for cancer patients to become depressed. However, a positive attitude can have a positive impact on a person's recovery. If you know how to watch for depression in cancer patients, you can help them get treatment to overcome it.

Instructions

Watch for Depression in Cancer Patients

• 1

  Listen for expressions of guilt. Cancer patients with depression often feel overwhelming guilt over having the disease. Their guilt stems from the physical and emotional burden they feel they are placing on their families. The more guilt they feel, the greater their depression becomes.

• 2

  Become vigilant against suicidal inclinations. The pain of cancer--both physical and emotional--can often drive patients to consider killing themselves. Expressing these inclinations either by talking about them or by an actual suicide attempt are strong indications of depression.

• 3

  Watch out for a withdrawal from favored activities. Depression in cancer patients can lead to feelings of hopelessness. These feelings, in turn, can make patients feel like doing the things they love is pointless.

• 4

  Look out for excessive anger. While some anger about having the disease is normal, if it gets out of control or becomes all consuming, it could be due to depression.

• 5

  Hear verbal clues in the things the cancer patient says. Talking about feeling worthless or being a bad person for getting the disease can indicate the presence of depression.